ULLAS Literacy Programme India

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in education, with the national literacy rate rising from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24, as announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on International Literacy Day 2025. This achievement reflects the government’s sustained efforts through various initiatives, particularly the ULLAS Literacy Programme India, officially known as ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

The Minister emphasized that literacy is not just about numbers; it is about empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance, making citizens active participants in the nation’s growth.

What is ULLAS Literacy Programme India?

The ULLAS Literacy Programme India is a flagship education programme designed to improve adult literacy and foundational learning across the country. The programme has successfully combined government efforts, civil society involvement, and community participation to promote literacy India-wide.

Key highlights of ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram achievements include:

• Enrolled over 3 crore learners

• Mobilized more than 42 lakh volunteers

• Assessed 1.83 crore learners in foundational literacy and numeracy

• Achieved 90% pass rate in literacy assessments

• Rolled out learning content in 26 Indian languages for inclusivity

Through these efforts, the ULLAS Literacy Programme India has become a benchmark national literacy initiative, driving growth in both rural and urban areas.

States Achieving Full Literacy Under ULLAS

Several regions in India have now achieved full functional literacy, showcasing the success of the ULLAS Literacy Programme India 2023–24:

• Ladakh – declared fully literate on June 24, 2024

• Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh

These milestones demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness, even in regions with challenging geographies and socio-economic barriers.

Expanding Literacy in the Digital Era

With the theme of “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, the definition of literacy in India has evolved to include digital skills. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary highlighted that India has become a global example in digital literacy and foundational learning in India, building digital public infrastructure that enhances education access and financial inclusion.

This modern approach ensures that the ULLAS Literacy Programme India is not limited to traditional reading and writing but equips citizens with skills to thrive in a digitally connected world.

Why ULLAS Literacy Programme India is a Game-Changer

The success of the ULLAS Literacy Programme India lies in its holistic approach:

• Combines the adult education programme in India with community-driven participation

• Recognizes learners in multiple languages, supporting literacy in India, and inclusivity

• Bridges traditional literacy with digital competencies, reinforcing India’s national literacy initiative

For SSC aspirants, understanding the ULLAS Literacy Programme India is crucial as it highlights government priorities, policy impact, and modern approaches to education.

Key Data for SSC Preparation

This data can help aspirants in the current affairs sections of SSC exams, especially in topics related to education, government initiatives, and social development.

Final Thoughts

The ULLAS Literacy Programme India is a transformative initiative that has significantly improved the national literacy rate, helping millions of citizens gain foundational reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Its success lies in combining community participation, volunteer mobilization, and inclusive learning content in multiple languages.

The programme has not only focused on traditional literacy but also emphasized digital literacy, preparing learners for a modern, interconnected world. States like Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh achieving full literacy, reflect the programme’s widespread impact. By integrating empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance, the ULLAS Literacy Programme India showcases how education can be a true movement of the people.

Its achievements serve as a model for holistic literacy initiatives globally, proving that inclusive and innovative education policies can create lasting social change.